Documentary on a very isolated tribe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nutritional properties of humans in the context of cannibalism, particularly as it relates to isolated tribes and historical practices. Participants explore the implications of consuming human flesh, both from a nutritional and cultural perspective, referencing documentaries and historical accounts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the nutritional properties of humans, suggesting that if they are high in protein, it could explain the belief in gaining strength through cannibalism.
  • Another participant asserts that humans have similar nutritional value to other animals and notes that cannibalistic societies often consumed specific parts like brains and hearts, linking this to health issues such as encephalitis.
  • A third participant references Carlton Gadusek's Nobel Prize work on prion diseases transmitted through cannibalism, highlighting that cultural views on cannibalism may extend beyond mere nutrition.
  • Discussion includes the disease kuru, caused by prions from infected brains, and its implications for health.
  • One participant humorously suggests a connection between eating brains and the concept of zombies.
  • Another recalls a historical account of a writer who tasted human flesh and described it as similar to veal, indicating varied perceptions of cannibalism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nutritional aspects of human flesh and the cultural significance of cannibalism. There is no consensus on the primary motivations behind cannibalistic practices or the implications of consuming human flesh.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on historical accounts and anecdotal evidence, while others reference scientific studies. The discussion does not resolve the complexities surrounding the health implications of cannibalism or the cultural contexts in which it occurs.

theallknower
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yesterday I saw a documentary on a very isolated tribe,descovered in 1981!
in the past,when they fought wars with other tribes,they eaten they're oponents to gain they're streinght(nonsence,of course)
this however rised a question...what nutritional proprieties does a human have? (I'm not shore anyone researched this...)
if it has a lot of proteins,and they lacked proteins,then they might've gained a +1 streinght,and make this canibalism ritual seem to them very true...
 
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Humans have the same nutritional value as any other animal. I seem to recall from my very limited exposure to the subject that most cannibalistic societies ate specifically the brains and/or hearts of defeated enemies. The brain-eating has been blamed for a few outbreaks of encephalitis.
 


Carlton Gadusek won a Nobel prize by finding that human diseases can be spread by ingesting what we now call prions through cannabalism. In his case, he studied New Guinea tribesmen who ate the brains of their deceased relatives. The relatives later on developed tremors and other symptoms of central nervous system dysfunction.

Scrapie, CJD, and mad cow disease are examples of spongiform encephalitis spread by ingesting prions in food. The other point is that cannibalism may be culturally viewed as respectful.

Human cannibalism has social meaning - it transcends nutrition.
Example:
Man Corn: Cannibalism And Violence In The Prehistoric American Southwest
Turner, Christy G., Turner, Jacqueline A.
August 1998
University of Utah Press ISBN: 087480566X

While this book is decried by descendants of the Anasazi, the authors posit that cannibalism was used in a social enforcement and control measure context. The cannibals here were NOT short of food, or deprived of protein - this was pure retribution. -- per the authors.
 
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Kuru is a disease caused by prions, which causes encephalitis when eating brains infected by it.
 


theallknower said:
yesterday I saw a documentary on a very isolated tribe,descovered in 1981!
Did you learn anything about their diet besides the cannibalism?
 


so being a zombie is not what causes eating brains, but eating brains makes one a zombie? :-p
 


Monique - kuru is indeed the disease Gadusek studied. However, since it's really obscure a better example is probably mad cow disease. Especially in light of Proton Soup's contribution to this thread. :)
 


I remember reading about a man back in the 1930's{I think he was a magazine writer} ,who got a piece of human flesh, cooked it up and ate it. Then wrote about it, I recall him saying it tasted like veal. Not unpleasant at all.